Ghana's Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has alleged a deliberate public and media campaign to misrepresent the criminal case against former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director-General, Kwabena Adu-Boahene. Dr. Srem-Sai insists the prosecution's case, involving the alleged diversion of GHS 49 million in public funds, is straightforward.
The charges stem from allegations that public funds, specifically earmarked for purchasing defence equipment, were diverted into a private account. These funds were then purportedly used for personal acquisitions, including houses and high-end cars. The Deputy Attorney-General stated that the facts before the court are clear, dismissing suggestions that the case is complex.
This case fits into Ghana's broader struggle against corruption and the misuse of public funds, a persistent challenge for economic stability and public trust. High-profile prosecutions like this one are critical for demonstrating accountability and reinforcing the rule of law. The alleged diversion of funds from a national security agency underscores the potential impact on state security and fiscal integrity.
Speaking on JoyNews on Sunday, July 26, Dr. Srem-Sai explained the core of the prosecution's argument. He stated, "There is public money in a public account. You have moved the public money from the public account into a private account and told the bank which did the transaction that you are using the money to go and purchase defence equipment for the state." He added that evidence shows the funds were allegedly spent on private assets, not defence equipment.
The Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, formally charged Mr. Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, in 2025. They face 11 counts of offences, including stealing, money laundering, defrauding by false pretences, and wilfully causing financial loss. Two other individuals, Mildred Donkor and Advantage Solutions Limited, are also implicated in the case.
The writ filed at the High Court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, details that Mr. Adu-Boahene, responsible for national security infrastructure, signed a deal with Israeli company ISC Holdings Limited for cyber defence software worth $7 million. He then allegedly transferred approximately GHS 49 million (around $7 million) from NSB funds into his personal accounts, falsely claiming these were payments for the cyber defence systems.
Dr. Srem-Sai also accused the defence of attempting to influence public opinion outside the courtroom. He noted that he has deliberately refrained from public commentary on the case's merits. He revealed that an initial defence argument claimed the funds transferred into Adu-Boahene's private account were repayment for loans he had allegedly advanced to a public institution.
The ongoing trial will continue to be closely watched by the public and financial markets. The outcome could set a precedent for how Ghana handles cases involving high-ranking officials accused of financial malfeasance. It will also test the judiciary's ability to navigate complex corruption allegations amidst public scrutiny and alleged campaigns to influence perception. The government's commitment to combating corruption will be judged by the transparency and fairness of this process.